Jazz Shepherd Coffee — Restaurant in Elgin

Best grilled cheese that i have ever had. I stopped in to grab coffee before I drew caricatures at the Elgin Cheese Festival. First time in town. I was so impressed with the coffee shop when I stepped in. Felt like I walked into a Sherlock Holmes novel. Fantastic jazz was playing in the background. The woman was kind and showed me such courtesy after my 2 hour drive. I ordered mocha and a pastry. She asked if i could draw dogs...their Husky needed a drawing. Sipped the coffee while I drew was so relaxing. I have been so busy over the past 2 days but I decided that I had to stop in again before leaving Elgin. She was not there. Her husband was as friendly and kind as she was. He let me wash off the pastels before I looked again at the menu to find something to eat on the long ride home. The beautiful Husky was inside now away from the heat. Wish I wasn't so tired from traveling and drawing the past 2 days. Wish I had brought my pad, paper and markers into the coffee shop. Wish i had drawn their dog. Ordered a grilled cheese and was pleasantly surprised when I took a bite on my way home. Truly the best grilled cheese ever. Now I really, really wish I had drawn that beautiful huskey! Please send me the photo and I will draw and mail to you your sketch free of charge. Thank you for the unexpected pleasure of a fantastic grilled cheese and tasty mocha from the Jazz Shepard Coffee shop....

Let me tell you - you're in for a treat.

I discovered this place on accident - while passing through town, enroute to another town, I went in search of a quick cup of coffee. This place is like no other.

Thousands of records, from each and every denomination of jazz, funk, soul, and more - line the walls. Its a place that feels out of time, able to remove you from wherever you were. It feels like a warm book, like being wrapped up in a warm blanket. Great coffee, wonderful music, and an incredibly welcoming and friendly staff. I ended up talking with the owner, Dan, for a long time and he was as friendly and as accommodating as anyone could possibly be.

I'm happy I stumbled across this place. Its a hidden gem, and I definitely can't wait to go back.

Oh, and as a result, I ended up being late to where I was going - And I'm...

I finally made the trip out to Elgin to check this place out, and let me tell you it was worth it and then some! Dan's record collection and rich knowledge of jazz music and history is spectacular and worth the trip alone. Not only that, but the coffee selection and freshness is great too. These folks have great taste all around. I can assure you you won't find this combination of great music, great coffee, and friendly people anywhere else. Not in Rochester, not in Minneapolis, not even in Chicago. This place is a unique gem. I highly recommend making the trip here even if it is a long drive for you, and I very rarely review anything, so this is high...